Inn by the Sea
Contemporary-classic New England coastal. Refined without being stuffy. Genuinely welcoming to dogs and kids, which softens the whole vibe. Think: plush robes, gas fireplaces, ocean views, lobster on the menu — but without the pretension.
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Why It Matters
Ranked #1 Hotel and #1 Resort in Maine by U.S. News & World Report in 2025. Silver LEED certified, Beyond Green member, and Wine Spectator Best of Award of Excellence. One of the few Maine beach resorts that genuinely earns its eco-credentials while still delivering proper luxury.
Inn by the Sea sits right on Crescent Beach in Cape Elizabeth, about 15 minutes from downtown Portland. Contemporary-classic in style, it's been steadily upgraded — the Garden and Loft Suites got a full refresh in 2025 — and the 62 rooms range from simple king guestrooms to 1,300 sq ft two-bedroom suites with full kitchens and gas fireplaces. The Sea Glass restaurant, a 5-acre indigenous garden, an award-winning spa, and direct boardwalk access to a mile of sandy beach make this the kind of place you can spend a whole trip without leaving.
Where You'll Stay
6 room types available
Cove Suite
Two-bedroom suites that blend coastal ambiance with a modern feel. Master bedroom has a king; second bedroom has two queens. Both rooms have flat-screen TVs. The airy living room has soft seating, a pull-out sofa, flat-screen TV, and a gas fireplace. Dining table seats four. Fully equipped kitchen. Private outdoor deck with sofa, chairs, and side tables. Select suites are dog-friendly.
King + 2 Queens
Garden Suite
Newly redesigned in 2025 with bespoke millwork, refreshed interiors, and locally inspired artwork. Ground-level suites with a king bedroom and separate living room. Most offer ocean views. The living room walks out directly to the property grounds and a small porch with seating for two. Kitchenette with mini-fridge, coffee maker, and microwave. Soaking tub and walk-in shower. Select suites are pet-friendly.
KingLoft Suite
Newly redesigned in 2025. Two-level layout with a lofted bedroom upstairs (king or two doubles) and a first-floor living area with a wet bar kitchenette. A balcony opening off the living space has ocean views and seating for two. Full sleeper sofa, soaking tub, and walk-in shower. Select suites are pet-friendly.
King or 2 DoublesSingle Bedroom Beach Suite
At 700 sq ft, these are the signature suites of the property. Direct views of the Wildlife Habitat and Crescent Beach from private porches or balconies with soft seating. The living space is generous — dining table for four, full-sized sleeper sofa, and a gas fireplace. The bathroom doesn't cut corners: soaking tub, walk-in shower, and dual vanities. Full kitchen includes a two-burner range, full-size fridge, dishwasher, and microwave. Select suites are pet-friendly.
KingTraditional Guestroom
The entry-level option at the Main Inn. Single king room — no separate living area, no soaking tub (walk-in shower only). Many rooms offer ocean views. Good choice if you're primarily out exploring and just want a clean, comfortable base. Note: no pets allowed in traditional rooms.
KingTwo-Bedroom Beach Suite
The largest rooms on property at 1,300 sq ft. Large balconies with sweeping water views, space for al fresco dining, and soft seating. Master bedroom has a king bed and private changing area; bathroom has dual vanity, glass shower, and tub. The second bedroom offers either a king or two queens. Full kitchen runs to four-burner range, full-size fridge, and dishwasher. Dining table seats ten. Indoor/outdoor gas fireplace is a standout feature. Accessible via elevator in most buildings.
King + King or King + 2 QueensThe Property
Eat & Drink
3 venues on property
Restaurant
Spa & Wellness
Treatment Menu
On Property
How you'll actually spend your days.
Weekly guided walks along the beach focused on the coastal ecology of Crescent Beach and the surrounding wildlife habitat.
Guided tours of the Inn's 5-acre indigenous garden led by the head gardener. A highlight for guests interested in sustainable landscaping and native plants.
Guest bicycles available to borrow for exploring the Cape Elizabeth coastline and nearby lighthouses.
A private boardwalk leads guests directly to a mile of unspoiled sandy beach at Crescent Beach State Park. Swimming, sunbathing, and walking are all on offer.
Seasonal outdoor pool with ocean views.
A seasonal ice cream bike circulating the property — the kind of small touch that goes over well with kids and adults alike.
New for 2025/2026, adult mixology classes offered as part of the seasonal activities calendar.
Mixed-level yoga class overlooking the Atlantic. Yoga mats provided. Meets at the fitness center. Adults only, available Saturday and Sunday mornings from 8–9am.
Fire pit s'mores roasting, Friday and Saturday evenings from 5–7pm. A simple but genuinely pleasant ritual.
Classic Maine clambake dinners at Sea Glass restaurant, running Wednesday evenings July 22 through August 19.
Amenities & Practical Info
The details that matter for planning.
Indoor meeting space and tented outdoor events. Ocean views. Capacity up to 170.
2 Peloton bikes, Matrix Endurance treadmills and recumbent, Aura Trainer 400, free weights, and Fitness on Demand flat screen. Open daily 6am–11pm, guests 18+.
Select Beach Suites, Cove Suites, Garden Suites, and Loft Suites are pet-friendly. Not available in traditional guestrooms or two-bedroom Beach Suites. Gourmet pet menu and L.L. Bean dog bed available via INNcredible Pets package.
Separate men's and women's sanctuaries, private steam rooms, experience shower, and a couples soaking suite. Open to hotel guests and the public.
BUILD YOUR INN BY THE SEA PLAN
Rooms, dining, spa, and resort experiences — organized into one trip plan.
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